The next day... As requested by Gerhard earlier, Arthfael arrived with Flare at the training grounds. The phoenix bird seemed very excited about the training session it would undergo with Arthfael. Especially in the past two weeks, Arthfael had only been allowed to train alone without inviting anyone else.Not only Flare wanted to watch Arthfael train, but also Camilla, Ian, Zeke, and Valentina. However, unfortunately, only Flare was allowed to train alongside Arthfael.Gerhard had his reasons for prohibiting Arthfael's friends from coming. The old man simply didn't want to disturb Arthfael's concentration during training. Moreover, according to Gerhard, Arthfael still had a long way to go before being ready to fight Venomweaver.Just like a regular training session, Arthfael arrived in the morning with Flare and they met at the hill where they usually trained. When Flare set foot on the spot, the bird momentarily stopped, sensing the aura of an SS-level monster nearby."What's wrong
Neptunis and Naiadrex faced each other before the battle. They stared at each other as if they wanted to strike each other."Are you ready to lose, Flare?" Naiadrex asked, smiling."Shouldn't I be asking that? Are you ready to lose, Neptunis?" Flare replied.Both monsters waited for Gerhard's signal, and finally, when Gerhard snapped his fingers, Neptunis and Flare moved to attack each other, as did Arthfael, who had to work together with Flare to defeat Neptunis."Let's go, Arthfael!" Flare exclaimed enthusiastically, moving in sync with his contracted human.Arthfael immediately directed his sword, and Flare flew towards Neptunis. Unlike in the monster's cave earlier, this battle felt more intense, leaving no room to breathe.Arthfael's attacks were repeatedly blocked by Neptunis, unable to find openings like before. Neptunis' attack pattern had completely changed.As instructed by Gerhard earlier, Arthfael had to focus on the attack patterns. He finally stopped attacking and switch
Every muscle in Arthfael's body felt pulled from various sides after being continuously thrown and attacked by Neptunis. The training this week felt even heavier than before.If he were to fight Gerhard, Arthfael might only suffer minor attacks that wouldn't be fatally detrimental, but this time, facing the Naiadrex monster, his body seemed ready to shatter at any moment."Is your body still in pain?" Flare asked, flying beside Arthfael as they walked towards the lodging place."Yeah, that's right. My body feels like it's about to crumble and explode," Arthfael lazily replied.His legs felt tense, and it was even difficult to move them. Arthfael's steps became slower and slower."Do you want to try drinking my tears? It seems like it can reduce the pain in your body," Flare offered himself to Arthfael.Upon hearing that, Arthfael immediately stopped and looked at Flare with an incredulous gaze. Of course, he felt disgusted, even though phoenix tears could heal wounds, but he didn't wa
"Arthfael!" Camilla exclaimed excitedly upon seeing Arthfael's arrival, who had just arrived with Flare.Camilla immediately ran towards Arthfael and embraced him tightly as if they hadn't seen each other in a long time. In reality, Arthfael always came home every day, even late, and Camilla would already be asleep in her room.Not only Camilla, but Ian, Zeke, and Valentina also appeared happy to see Arthfael and Flare. Valentina couldn't stop flying around Arthfael, checking his condition."Are you hurt?" Valentina asked when she noticed Arthfael's foot was slightly raised, indicating pain.Arthfael turned to his foot with Camilla's hand still resting on his neck. "Ah, just a little. Just a few wounds and some soreness. But Flare has treated the open wounds," Arthfael replied.Upon hearing that Arthfael was injured, Camilla was surprised. She let go of her embrace and looked at Arthfael's foot."Oh my, it seems like your training is getting tougher every day. Can I treat it?" Camilla
"So what do you want to talk to me about?" Arthfael asked while drying his hair with his small towel.Valentina appeared silent and instead shifted her gaze to the bustling area, which was a festival held in the village of Anvilhelm, visible from their rooftop location.After remaining silent for a while, with Arthfael's hair almost half dry, Valentina finally expressed what she wanted to say earlier."About Camilla... Honestly, I feel guilty for not being able to stop her from working. Even though you entrusted Camilla to me," Valentina said, her words carrying a tone of regret.Arthfael looked at Valentina, who was sitting on the railing but now only lowered her head and stared at her small intertwined hands."I'm sorry I couldn't stop her as you requested and let her work at the bar. But I swear the bar is good for her, and Camilla really enjoys working there," Valentina said again.In reality, when thinking about the bar, Arthfael pictured a place filled with sin, with music and a
Arthfael under Flare arrived in the morning as usual at Gerhard's house. Upon arriving at Gerhard's house, they saw the old man who had just come out of his house with Neptunis behind him."Good morning, Mr. Gerhard," Arthfael greeted when he saw Gerhard about to lock his door.Gerhard turned around and smiled, raising his hand. "You've arrived.""Yes, I just arrived," Arthfael replied."Why wasn't I greeted?" Neptunis asked, feeling jealous that only Gerhard was greeted while the monster was not."Ah, forgive me, Neptunis. Good morning," Arthfael said.Neptunis jumped with joy. "Good morning to you too.""Wow, so exaggerated," Flare sneered, immediately silencing Neptunis and giving a sarcastic look."Let's go to the hill now," Gerhard invited, and they resumed their journey to the hill where they usually trained.As they walked through the forest, Gerhard and Arthfael continued to discuss the results of Arthfael's training from yesterday and the progress the man had made over the pa
Arthfael, along with Flare, Neptunis, and Gerhard, descended from the hill and went straight to the inn after their training was finished. Upon arriving at the inn, they saw Camilla, Zeke, Ian, and Valentina waiting for Arthfael's return from the training."Arthfael!" exclaimed Valentina excitedly and flew towards Arthfael, then hugged his large arm, which was even too big for her.Camilla approached Gerhard, who had just arrived with a Naiadrex monster behind him. Instantly, Camilla's memories of the day when Gerhard had insisted on driving them away resurfaced.Not only Camilla but Zeke and Ian also felt similarly, especially with the Naiadrex monster behind Gerhard.Seeing that their friends were scared of Gerhard's presence, thinking they were excluded from the festival plans, Arthfael finally spoke up to clarify the situation."It seems not good if we keep remembering that day," said Arthfael, and then he moved towards Gerhard and embraced him."Mr. Gerhard is not as bad as you t
The arrows owned by Arthfael flew so fast that no one could blink their eyes. Suddenly, the arrow shot by Arthfael was right on the red spot.The stand guard was astonished by what happened, even though Arthfael had clearly stated that he had never tried archery before. Unable to believe it, the stand guard approached the round board in front of him to ensure that Arthfael's arrow hit the red area of the target board."BULLS EYE!" shouted the man after confirming that Arthfael's arrow hit the bullseye. Gerhard, Zeke, Ian, Camilla, Valentina, Flare, and Neptunis cheered with joy. Unconsciously, Flare and Neptunis hugged each other in delight. However, moments later, after realizing what happened, the two monsters who had never gotten along separated and looked away from each other."This is your reward," said the archery stand guard, giving Arthfael three packets of peanut snacks.Arthfael was surprised to receive such a nice reward for the game he played. He then shared the snacks wit
A week had passed since Alvin's initiation into the corporate rhythm of Graham Company. As he approached the office building on that particular morning, he noticed Marshall standing near the entrance. The two exchanged a friendly nod, and without hesitation, they walked side by side into the bustling lobby.The elevator doors opened just as they reached it, and Alvin and Marshall stepped inside. The hum of the elevator's ascent enveloped them in a brief moment of solitude. It was within this confined space that Marshall broached a topic beyond the realm of work."Hey, Alvin," Marshall began, leaning casually against the elevator wall, "how's Camilla doing these days? Last time we talked, she had just lost Richard."Alvin's expression softened at the mention of Camilla. "She's doing much better now," he replied. "She's formed a contract with Neptunis and even mastered the art of lightning magic. It's incredible how resilient she is."Marshall's eyes widened in genuine amazement. "That'
With the introduction to his new workplace, Alvin felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. Sophia led him to the 3rd floor, where his workstation awaited. Upon entering the spacious, well-lit office area, Alvin noticed the hum of productivity and the scent of freshly printed documents.Sophia directed Alvin to a desk where a woman was working diligently on her computer. Alvin's eyes widened in recognition — it was the same woman from the elevator earlier. Sophia approached the desk and tapped Felicia gently on the shoulder."Felicia, this is Alvin, our newest addition to the team. Alvin, meet Felicia, your colleague here. She'll be showing you the ropes," Sophia announced with a warm smile.Felicia turned around, her face lighting up with recognition. "Ah, we did meet earlier, didn't we? Good to officially welcome you, Alvin!" Felicia extended her hand, and Alvin shook it warmly.Sophia, pleased with the positive atmosphere, continued, "Felicia, please help Alvin settle in and guide
Alvin, with a head full of new memories and a heart carrying the weight of two worlds, stepped off the bus into the familiar hustle and bustle of the city. The urban landscape, with its towering buildings and constant hum of activity, seemed both alien and strangely welcoming after his fantastical adventures.He strolled down the busy sidewalk, a stark contrast to the forest trails and mythical creatures that once accompanied him on his journey as Arthfael. The echoes of his footsteps resonated with the rhythm of city life, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the simplicity of the human world."Missed this place," he muttered to himself, his breath forming a small cloud in the chilly air. Despite the bustling crowd around him, Alvin found himself longing for the solitude of the forest, where every rustle of leaves told a story and every creature held a secret.Approaching the Graham Company building, Alvin gazed up at its sleek exterior, adorned with reflective gla
A man with black shirt, still caught in the hazy transition from one reality to another, found himself in a small, cozy room. The remnants of dreams clung to his consciousness as he heard the persistent knocks on the door. The voice outside, insistent and slightly annoyed, belonged to someone who seemed to know him well."Alvin! Alvin! Wake up, it's already morning! I've cooked breakfast, and if the food gets cold, I'll hit you!"The words echoed in his ears, and Alvin groaned, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar surroundings. The name "Alvin" echoed in his mind, and he muttered to himself, asking aloud, "Who's Alvin?"Reality asserted itself, and with a jolt, Alvin's memory clicked into place. He wasn't Arthfael, the hero navigating a magical realm. He was Alvin, and this room was his own. He rubbed his eyes, willing himself to wake up from the lingering traces of the fantastical adventure.As he stirred, the room revealed familiar details—a worn-out poster on the wall, a collecti
The room, adorned with the regal elegance of the Kingdom of Dragomir, became a sanctuary for Arthfael, Valentina, and Flare. As they entered, Arthfael locked the door behind them, enveloping the space in a cocoon of privacy. The air within held a palpable weight, a prelude to the poignant moments that would unfold.Valentina, with her tiny form and delicate wings, sighed audibly. "This might be our last meeting, Arthfael. We may not see each other again."Flare, the Pyroblaze Phoenix, who had accompanied Arthfael through battles and triumphs, let out a cry tinged with sorrow. The fiery aura surrounding her seemed to flicker, revealing an underlying emotion.Arthfael, perceptive to their sentiments, inquired, "Flare, are you crying?"Flare, attempting to conceal her emotions, retorted, "No, it's just something in my eye."Arthfael, recognizing Flare's attempt to mask her true feelings, chuckled and pulled her into a tight embrace. Unlike her usual blazing form, Flare's body now held a
The night settled over the Kingdom of Dragomir, casting a gentle glow on the palace gardens. Arthfael, Camilla, Neptunis, Flare, and Valentina gathered under the twinkling stars, surrounded by the fragrant blossoms of the palace garden. The soft hum of crickets and the distant murmur of the celebration in the courtyard provided a serene backdrop.Seated on a stone bench, Camilla began reminiscing about the first encounter between her and Arthfael in the Esteria Kingdom castle during Prince Frederick's birthday celebration. The memory brought a nostalgic smile to her face."Ah, that was quite the eventful night," Camilla chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Who would have thought that a simple escape plan would lead to such extraordinary adventures?"Arthfael, leaning back against the bench, nodded with a grin. "It was a night of unexpected turns, and I'm grateful for every moment."Neptunis, the calm and observant one, added, "Fate has a way of weaving its threads in the most
The wedding celebration continued with an air of jubilation that permeated every corner of the grand hall. Arthfael, standing amidst the joyous crowd, felt a warmth in his heart as he witnessed the union of Zeke and Ian with their brides. The bonds of love, forged through trials and triumphs, now culminated in a celebration that seemed to transcend the boundaries of kingdoms.Camilla, with her innate grace, approached Zeke and Ian, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Gentlemen, it is customary at this point to seal your vows with a kiss," she announced, her voice carrying across the hall.The guests, caught up in the enchantment of the moment, erupted into cheers and applause. Arthfael, smiling at the genuine happiness surrounding him, couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of this tradition. Zeke and Ian, their eyes locked with their brides, exchanged a glance that communicated a shared excitement.Zeke, turning to Molly, took her hands in his and pulled her close. The room fell int
The day of Zeke and Ian's wedding arrived, and the air in the groom's preparation room was charged with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. The room was adorned with elegant white suits hanging on racks, symbolizing the union of two souls about to embark on a journey of love and commitment.Zeke, a mix of anticipation and nervousness etched on his face, adjusted his tie in front of the mirror. Ian, standing nearby, mirrored his feelings, his hands betraying the subtle tremor of anticipation. Both grooms, resplendent in their white suits, exchanged glances that spoke volumes about the emotions swirling within them."How are you feeling, Ian?" Zeke inquired, turning to his partner.Ian, attempting a confident smile, replied, "My heart won't stop racing, Zeke. I've never been this nervous in my life."Zeke chuckled, his eyes softening with affection. "Well, they say it's a good sign. It means you're ready for this, and so am I."As the two grooms shared a moment of reassurance, the d
Arthfael, standing in the room that served as a temporary sanctuary within the Dragomir palace, took a moment to collect his thoughts. The events that had transpired — battles fought, alliances forged, and the sacrifices made — weighed heavy on his mind. He couldn't shake the memory of Freya's selfless sacrifice, a haunting reminder of the costs endured in the face of darkness.In an instinctive motion, Arthfael raised his hand, and a holographic screen materialized before him, displaying a series of information. His eyes focused on the screen as he rotated his hand, prompting a pop-up that revealed a number: 999.Arthfael's level, a reflection of his strength and capabilities, stood at the pinnacle. The enormity of his power, however, was juxtaposed with the feeling of inadequacy that lingered within him."Freya," Arthfael murmured, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm sorry. You sacrificed so much for me, and yet I couldn't protect you. I was too weak."At the bottom of the holographi